Sun and fun on the Farm at Open Day

The sun shone and the crowds attended in their droves for this year's Family Fun Day and Open Day on Sunday 9th September.

We were overwhelmed with the support shown by supporters old and new who made this, our 11th Annual event, the most successful yet with well over a thousand visitors who raise over £5,000!

Guests were joined by Gary Whelan and Rowetta from
the Happy Mondays who brought along family and friends to enjoy the free entry,
fun-filled event. They were joined by
some larger than life special guests who wowed the crowds, young and old
alike. Mascots from Manchester City,
Manchester United, Sale Sharks, Altrincham Football Club, Cheshire East Council,
Silk 106.9 and Chewitts joined CAFT Mascot, Bobby, for an hilarious mascot race
which was won, of course, by our mascot! They also spent time mingling with the crowds
and posing for photographs.

They, and all the assembled guests, were entertained
by the Rising Stars Cheerleaders and Gauntlet Birds of Prey, as well as being
treated to live music courtesy of the Dan Conley Duo and the Richie Syrett
Band. Silk 106.9’s Mark Blackman was on
hand throughout the day to keep guests informed and entertained. Along with trainers from Cheshire Fitness, he
put members of the crowd through their paces in the Traditional School Sports
Day tournament including three legged and sack races.

Ladies from Boothsmere WI ran the ever popular Tea
& Cake marquee, keeping the guests refreshed along with Brynley’s Catering
Services who ran a delicious Hog Roast stand. Our volunteers also manned a BBQ, Bar and Ice-cream stand, plus
a sweet stall ensuring that no-one was left hungry or thirsty!

Traditional stalls such as Hook-a-duck, Tin Can
Alley and Pick a Lolly were manned by volunteers, as were the bouncy castle,
face painting and nail art. Cheshire
Police kindly attended with a car which children (and adults) delighted sitting
in and sounding the siren! A children’s
entertainer, fairground rides, classic cars beat the goalie were amongst the
many attractions, making the event a roaring success.

Events Fundraiser, Pippa Watton comments: “It was
such a wonderful day, definitely the best yet. We were bowled over by the number of visitors and their generosity. Everything
was perfect – the weather, the entertainment and of course our wonderful
supporters! This event is such a
brilliant opportunity to bring together the children who have visited us for
holidays, our supporters and hopefully some new faces who would like to
help.

It is also a brilliant way to raise some much-needed
funds for the charity, all of which will help us to change the lives of hundreds
of very special children. We really
can’t thank our volunteers and supporters enough, they make us what we are!”